Paddy Power expected to reopen betting shops in England and Ireland in time for the Royal Ascot races between June 16 and 20. But shops in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain closed until further notice by regional governments.
The company has launched its new in-store “Do Your Brit” campaign, informing customers of hygiene and safety procedures in the coronavirus era. Paddy Power will limit the number of customers in betting shops at any one time, with all shops providing floor markings to ensure social distancing between patrons, according to SBC News.
Retail staff will recommend that all customers use hand sanitizers available when they enter, with contactless payments the preferred payment option.
In addition, bettors will be asked to take bet-slip pens with them once they place their wager.
Paddy Power reminded retail customers that they can still cash out previous winning in-store bet-slips to their online accounts by emailing further player information to shopwinnings@paddypower.com.
“As our shops reopen, our number one priority is keeping our customers and team members safe. So, all our shops will follow the latest government guidelines on social distancing,” the company said in a statement. “This news is the latest ray of light in these dark times after horse racing returned in the U.K. and Ireland earlier this month.”
GVC reopens 2,445 betting shops in the U.K.—85 percent of the total—using protective screens at games and social distancing to help prevent contagion. Shops in Scotland, Wales and Ireland have yet to announce dates.
GVC should be able to operate four machines at each shop, generating 50 percent of typical store revenues, Simon Davies of Deutsche Bank said. Davies believes some customers will stay away due to concerns about safety at retail venues, and rely instead on online gambling.
